Russia Launches Major Counteroffensive in Kursk Following Ukrainian Invasion.

Russia has launched a major counteroffensive in the border region of Kursk, marking its first significant response since Ukrainian forces conducted a surprise invasion in August. Since September 10, Russian forces have recaptured several localities west of the Ukrainian salient, indicating renewed military activity after weeks of preparation.
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The crew of the 2S7M "Malka" self-propelled artillery from the "Center" force group struck an area where Ukrainian armed forces personnel and equipment were concentrated, in the Avdiivka direction (Picture source: Russian MoD)

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that ten localities had been retaken as part of these "offensive operations" carried out since the beginning of the week. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue to launch attacks on Russian positions, particularly west of Snagost. The situation remains fluid, and it is still too early to assess the full extent of this Russian counteroffensive.

Clashes in the Kursk region began on August 6, when Ukrainian forces crossed the border, surprising Russian forces and seizing areas that had been under Moscow's control for more than two years. Since then, Ukraine has claimed to have taken control of about 1,300 square kilometers of Russian territory in the region. Russian forces, primarily focused on eastern Ukraine, were slow to respond to this Ukrainian advance, allowing Kyiv to maintain the initiative for several weeks.

The Russian counterattacks, which appear to be launched along multiple axes, involve high-quality forces, including naval infantry and airborne units. According to Russian sources, units from the 51st Airborne Regiment and the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade have been mobilized for the operation. Additionally, elements of the 200th Motorized Rifle Brigade have advanced near the locality of Korenevo.

Despite these efforts to reclaim lost territory, Ukraine continues to mount attacks, particularly against the flanks of Russian forces west of Snagost. Reports also indicate that Ukrainians are conducting small mechanized incursions in other border areas of the Kursk region. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that it had repelled several Ukrainian attacks, particularly near Apanasovka and Sudzha, although these claims have yet to be independently verified.

At this stage, it remains unclear whether these Russian counterattacks in the Kursk region are a prelude to a larger operation or a mere attempt to regain lost ground. Military analysts suggest that the attacks may also aim to relieve pressure on Russian forces engaged in heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine, particularly around the strategic city of Pokrovsk.

Although Russia’s efforts to push back Ukrainian forces were anticipated, the delayed implementation raises questions about Moscow’s ability to mobilize sufficient resources for effective counteroffensives. It is also possible that these Russian attacks, by increasing losses, could ease pressure on other fronts, potentially benefiting Ukraine.

In the meantime, Ukrainian forces continue to secure their positions in the areas they have captured in Kursk, reinforcing their logistical lines and preparing for a defensive phase as Russian counterattacks intensify.